Work on a long delayed bypass will not start until 2019 unless the Welsh Government gives the go-ahead by the end of January, it is feared.

Critics of the delays to the Caernarfon bypass say economy minister Ken Skates must move things forward in the coming weeks so that work can begin this summer.

During a visit to Bontnewydd, where there are hopes the bypass will alleviate traffic problems, Sian Gwenllian AM said the project had been scheduled to finish in 2018 but construction was delayed pending a public inquiry.

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She said: “The public inquiry has been held and the inspector’s report is on the minister’s desk.

“We feel it is absolutely crucial that a date be announced as early as possible in the new year so that the necessary preparations can be made for work to begin on the bypass in July 2018. Any further delay would be wholly unacceptable.

“We’re saying get your skates on, Ken. Have a look at the report and come to a decision on this scheme.

“There is significant frustration locally regarding recurring delays to the project, which was initially expected to begin in 2016 and be completed by 2018.

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The project is also planned to give employment prospects in the Gwynedd area a boost, with an extensive apprenticeship scheme proposed by the contractors.

Hywel Williams MP added: “A recruitment drive to hire 60 apprentices is waiting for the go-ahead once a start date has been announced, which will greatly help fill the gap in the building industry across north Wales which is expected to worsen over the next few years.

“Any further delay to the bypass scheme will also likely have repercussions on the timetable to train new apprentices, furthering pressure on the industry.

“The Caernarfon bypass is an important project for the area. In the long term, it will ease the scourge of traffic congestion in the historic town centre, encouraging business growth and prosperity. In the short term, it will provide hundreds of jobs.”

A Welsh Government spokesperson said: “It’s absolutely right that the Welsh Government and Cabinet Secretary for Transport fully evaluate the inspector’s report before making a final decision on the scheme.”